Tamil Nadu, central funds and National Education Policy

The categorical statement of education minister Dharmendra Pradhan of the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre that unless the Tamil Nadu government accepts the National Education Policy(NEP), 2020, in its entirety, the funds under the Samagra Shiksha scheme will not be released for the state.

It is equally surprising that the education minister made this unprovoked statement with riders to the historical debate in this country, linking the non-release of funds over ₹2,158 crore due to the state.

The minister said: “They cannot think they are above the constitution and they must accept the NEP in letter and spirit,” and further charged “ they are divisive people.” He responded to a question if the funds would be withheld indefinitely, it is based on law. He also wanted to know that why the Tamil Nadu government would not follow the established framework of governance?